Christianity vs. Cults

Christianity is the world's largest religion, with around 2.3 billion adherents across the globe. However, many other religious cults and sects that do not subscribe to Christianity or its teachings have been established over time. Examples of such cults include Christian Science, Mormonism, and Seven-Day Adventism. These religions have distinct beliefs and theological foundations that set them apart from traditional Christianity. This article will discuss the differences between these religions and mainstream Christianity regarding their ideas and theology. 

The primary difference between Christianity and cults like Christian Science is their view of God's relationship to humanity and how they interpret Scripture. For instance, while Christians believe that Jesus was born fully human yet also divinely inspired by God, Christian Scientists deny his divinity altogether; instead, believing him to be a mere man who was chosen for particular purposes by an all-powerful deity known as "Principle" or "Mind" rather than a triune Godhead composed of three persons - Father, Son & Holy Spirit - as taught in Scripture. Additionally, Mormon theology teaches that Jesus Christ is subordinate to Heavenly Father (God), whereas Christians Christianity is the world's largest religion, with around 2.3 billion adherents across the globe. However, many other religious cults and sects have been established over time which does not subscribe to Christianity or its teachings. 

Examples of such cults include Christian Science, Mormonism, and Seven-Day Adventism. These religions have distinct beliefs and theological foundations that set them apart from traditional Christianity. This article will discuss the differences between these religions and mainstream Christianity regarding their ideas and theology. 

The primary difference between Christianity and cults like Christian Science is their view of God's relationship to humanity and how they interpret Scripture. For instance, while Christians believe that Jesus was born fully human yet also divinely inspired by God, Christian Scientists deny his divinity altogether; instead, believing him to be a mere man who was chosen for a special purpose particular all-powerful deity known as a "Principle" or "Mind" rather than a triune Godhead composed of three persons - Father, Son & Holy Spirit - as taught in Scripture. Additionally, Mormon theology teaches that Jesus Christ is subordinate to Heavenly Father (God), whereas religion has been established over time which does not state Christianity or its teachings. Examples of such cults include Christian Science, Mormonism, and Seven-Day Adventists are not part of the Christian faith and have distinct beliefs and theological foundations that set them apart from traditional Christianity. This article will discuss the differences between these religions regarding their ideas and theology, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seven-Day Adventists, Mormons, New Age religions, and mainstream Christianity. 

Jehovah's Witnesses differ significantly from traditional Christianity in their interpretation of Scripture. They do not believe Jesus is divine; instead, they see him as a created being chosen by God to fulfill his plan for salvation. Additionally, they reject the doctrine of the Trinity because it implies multiple Gods, which conflicts with their belief in monotheism. They also deny the existence of hell or an eternal punishment after death. 

Mormons also hold different views on Jesus than Christians; they believe he is subordinate to Heavenly Father (God) rather than equal to him, as most Christians do. They teach a form of works righteousness where individuals must obey specific laws to be saved rather than relying solely on grace through faith alone, like other denominations within Christianity typically teach. The Seven-Day Adventist church has some similar teachings. Still, it differs primarily in its focus. Religious cults and sects not part of the traditional Christian faith have existed for centuries. Cults such as Jehovah's Witness, Seven Day Adventist, Mormon, and New Age each have distinct beliefs and theological foundations that set them apart from mainstream Christianity. This article will discuss the differences between these religions and Christianity regarding their ideas and theology. 

Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the notion of a trinity, believing that God is composed of only one person with no equal or opposite. They also deny Jesus’ divinity while affirming his humanity; instead, they believe him to be an Archangel sent by God to save humanity. In contrast, Christians believe in a triune Godhead composed of three persons - Father, Son & Holy Spirit - as Scripture teaches while fully accepting Jesus' divine nature alongside his human form. 

Seven-Day Adventists reject many core Christian doctrines, including salvation through faith alone or predestination; they instead teach that people must work hard to achieve personal holiness if they want to be saved on Judgment Day. Mormons also differ from traditional Christianity by teaching that there are multiple gods rather than just one supreme Creator God; additionally enlists. These religions have theological foundations that set them apart from conventional Christianity. In this article, we will discuss some of the differences between these religions and mainstream Christianity in terms of the regarding and theology. 

The primary difference between Christianity and cults like Christian Science is their view on God's relationship to humanity and how and poet scripture. For instance, while Christians believe that Jesus was born fully human yet also divinely inspired by God, Christian Scientists deny his divinity altogether; instead, believing him to be a mere man who was chosen for particular purposes by an all-powerful deity known as "Principle" or "Mind" rather than a tribunal God of three persons - Father, Son & Holy Spirit - as taught in Scripture. Additionally, Mormon theology teaches that Jesus Christ is subordinate to Heavenly Father (God), whereas traditional Christians assert the complete equality of Jesus with God while still maintaining His humanity.

The doctrines concerning salvation and the afterlife also differ between Christianity and cults. For instance, Christian Science and Mormonism differ from traditional Christianity in their view on the afterlife, with these cults positing merely a transition into another state of existence rather than a permanent separation of body and soul as taught by Scripture. Christian Science also rejects any concept of personal salvation through belief in Jesus Christ; instead, teaching those individual efforts at achieving spiritual understanding and "mind over matter" are the only means of salvation. In contrast, orthodox Christianity teaches that salvation is solely through faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning death on the cross. 

Finally, the beliefs held by cults such as Christian Science, Mormon and Seven Day, and Adventist on matters of spiritual authority also differ from traditional Christianity. While Christians believe in the power of Scripture, these cults have additional sources of religious influence. For instance, Christian Science follows the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy, while Mormons adhere to the Book of Mormon and other additional writings attributed to Joseph Smith. As a result, it is clear that while cults may borrow certain aspects from traditional Christianity, their beliefs ultimately differ significantly from orthodox teaching and should not be confused with the Christian Faith. 

It is essential to understand that despite borrowing from traditional Christianity, cults such as Christian Science, Mormon, and Seven-Day Adventist should not be mistaken for part of the orthodox Christian faith. While some basic tenets may seem similar at first glance, a closer examination reveals significant differences in beliefs concerning matters like Jesus Christ, spiritual authority, and salvation., This is why it is essential to understand the differences between cults and traditional Christianity to recognize incorrect beliefs better when they arise. 

Dr. Art Scott, Contributor